Welcome to the Board! Sorry health issues entered into your lives, but glad things are on the uphill.
Don't worry about setting something aside--I always have more than one project in progress (although some are in a lot less progress at any one time!).
My first quilt took about 2 years for a wallhanging--machine pieced, hand quilted. I would recommend that you get a machined--think you will be amazed how much you enjoy having it,not just for quilts. You can get a $90 Brother at Walmart--no frills, but it will sew fine. I had one that I even was able to Free Motion Quilt with--came with hopping foot, could drop the feed dogs, etc. Take a couple of classes to learn how to use a machine and fly!
A friend that teaches beginner classes with me always says, if you don't love the fabric, don't use it! you'll never get finished!